3G network switch off
Australia's 3G networks have now been switched off
Telstra, Optus and TPG Telecom made commercial decisions to switch off their 3G networks in January 2024 (TPG Telecom) and November 2024 (Telstra and Optus).
Switching off the 3G networks freed up radiofrequency spectrum to boost the capacity, speed and reliability of 4G and 5G networks.
Impacted mobile phones
Prior to the switch offs, the mobile network operators identified a number of mobile phone devices which relied on the 3G networks for functionality. These devices fell into 4 categories: